By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
A former employee of a Fowlerville party store is set to stand trial this summer on a felony charge alleging he embezzled lottery tickets.
42-year-old Christopher Bandy was charged with one count of embezzlement of $100,000 or more after an investigation by Fowlerville Police. The owner of Buddy's Mini Mart called authorities after noticing that approximately $120,000 in lottery sales was missing. Police were able to track the tickets to Bandyâs girlfriend after they were cashed at Kroger stores in Brighton and Howell.
Fowlerville Police Chief John Tyler testified that surveillance footage from the store shows Bandy, an employee at the time, coming into the store and deleting camera footage each time a pack of lottery tickets was believed to have been stolen. Bandy, who has previous felony convictions of home invasion and car theft, was also on federal probation for a previous conviction of manufacturing and possessing a pipe bomb.
Last week, Livingston County Circuit Court Judge Michael Hatty set a July 13th trial date, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for June 19th.
Trial Date Set For Accused Lottery ThiefTrial Date Set For Accused Lottery Thief
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LETS Set To Resume Service Next WeekLETS Set To Resume Service Next Week
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
The Livingston Essential Transportation Service (LETS) is preparing to resume services next week, with precautions in place.
LETS Director Greg Kellogg addressed the Livingston County Board of Commissioners during their online meeting, Tuesday. He provided an update on the service which he said, beginning with the governorâs first executive order, allowed them to continue transit for necessary activities. Since that point they have completed over 700 passenger trips for critical medical needs and âhundreds of meal deliveries.â Kellogg then said that despite the most recent order, they will reopen for trips of any purpose at partial capacity on June 1st. Vehicles will be run at 25% capacity due to social distancing guidelines.
Kellogg said that while they have been looking for guidance from the federal and state governments, little has been available. Instead, he says, they have worked with the Livingston County Health Department and are using CDC guidance to put safety provisions in place. Drivers and passengers will be required to wear face coverings, with drivers being provided N95 masks. Passengers that have a condition that makes them unable to tolerate a mask may be excused. LETS has also installed Plexiglas dividers between the driver and passenger seating area. Kellogg said that itâs not a sealed pod, but it is a full shield that has become a âbest practiceâ in the transit industry over the past couple months.
Kellogg said they have not had problems securing PPE, and every driver will have safety training and passenger-assistance training with COVID-19 guidelines. He said they 75 trips booked for both Monday and Tuesday. Typically LETS runs 400-500 daily. Kellogg said he doesnât expect ridership from senior programs or the vulnerable population as they begin again. As they phase-in this re-opening, Kellogg did say they hope to get close to their usual capacity over the next few months. The Board of Commissioners has previously waived rider fees for the length of the state of emergency. Kellogg said that policy remains until it expires.
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County Board Supports MI Safe Start Plan ReclassificationCounty Board Supports MI Safe Start Plan Reclassification
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
The Livingston County Board of Commissioners has passed a resolution in support of changing the countyâs classification within the governorâs MI Safe Start Plan.
The effort began with State Representatives Hank Vaupel and Ann Bollin formally petitioning the governor, and then area Chambers of Commerce and the Visitorâs Bureau writing a letter. Now the County Board has shown their support for reclassifying Livingston County out of the Detroit Region and into the Lansing Region. The resolution recognizes the coronavirus as âhighly communicable and dangerousâ to a certain population, but also declares that âthe curve has been flattened and our health care system is capable of receiving and treating patients.â It states that the current level of lockdown is unnatural and the source of numerous other community problems. The resolution additionally declares that it is undisputed that many individuals and businesses are suffering significant economic harm from it.
During public comment period, Bill and Lori Cowan of Unadilla Township spoke over Zoom, saying that the restrictions put in place by Governor Whitmer have helped. While they say this has been difficult for everyone - and that they have lost jobs themselves - they asked that Livingston County not separate itself from the rest of the state. Commissioner Kate Lawrence pointed out that thatâs not what was happening, and that this would put Livingston County in with the counties west of us. Commissioner Bob Bezotte said that Livingston County has traditionally been in the region with Lansing, Shiawassee County, and Eaton County for emergency responses, but in this Plan were put in with Oakland and Macomb counties. He said there was no rhyme or reason why Livingston County was taken out and put into another region.
The MI Safe Start Plan is being used as a guideline for re-engaging the stateâs economy. Region 1 contains the hardest hit counties, and by the Plan, would likely be the last region to re-open. Of the 8 counties and the City of Detroit that make-up Region 1, only Lapeer County has fewer confirmed cases than Livingston County.
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LACASA Parenting Class Going OnlineLACASA Parenting Class Going Online
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
Registration is now open for an online parenting class being held by LACASA. LACASA Centerâs Nurturing Parenting Program is designed specifically for parents of young children, from newborn to 11 years of age. It focuses on overcoming parenting challenges and practicing positive discipline.
The eight-week course will be held in virtual format beginning on June 23rd. Topics being covered in the award winning, nationally recognized program include practicing empathy, having appropriate expectations, parent/child roles, and power and independence. Normally the classes are offered in-person, but due to social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 restrictions, this is the first time it will be held in an online capacity.
LACASA Parenting Educator Jan Lobur said in a release that the series helps parents connect with each other and learn that they are not alone when it comes to parenting challenges. Classes will be held each Tuesday between June 23rd and August 11th, from 6pm until 7:30pm over Zoom. Parents who complete the series receive a certificate.
The cost to participate is $100 for one parent, or $125 for two. Class materials are included, and scholarships are available. Advance registration is required. For more information, visit lacasacenter.org. To register, call 517-548-1350, or email parenting@lacascenter.org.
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47th District Candidate Seeks COVID-19 Nursing Home Data47th District Candidate Seeks COVID-19 Nursing Home Data
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
A candidate for state representative in the 47th district has filed a Freedom of Information Act request requesting information related to COVID-19 in nursing homes and long-term care facilities.
Meghan Reckling of Handy Township sent the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services a four-page FOIA request on behalf of Livingston County residents. In a press release, Reckling said she has talked to several families from Livingston County who lost a loved one after COVID-19 patients were moved into the same facility as their family member as a result of Executive Orders issued by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Reckling says the median age of Michigan COVID-19 patients is 77 and says the virus is exacting a grim toll in nursing homes across the state. âThe Governor has consistently bragged about her transparency; however, for over a month, she and her Administration have refused to publicly release information related to COVID-19 and nursing homes. That sends a bad message. Is the data worse than we know? The senior population in nursing homes and long-term care facilities is the most tracked population in Michigan. Grandma cannot take a Tylenol without them tracking it. There is no way the State of Michigan does not have this informationâ
Her FOIA request seeks information regarding the total number of tests that have been administered to nursing home and long-term care patients, the total number of positive or suspected positive COVID-19 patients, the total number of patients that passed away either âat homeâ or in the hospital and it was deemed they passed away from COVID-19 or anything related to COVID-19; and the number of staff who work at nursing homes and long-term care facilities, on a facility-by-facility basis, that have tested positive for COVID-19 or are assumed to have it.
Reckling is one of four Republicans vying to replace State Representative Hank Vaupel, who is term-limited. Also running for the GOP nomination is County Commissioner Bob Bezotte, along with Yvonne Black of Marion Township and Zach Dyba, assistant to the Brighton Township manager. The winner of the August 4th primary will face Democrat Adam Smiddy in November.
The full press release and FOIA request are attached. A request for comment was made to Gov. Whitmer's office, but went unreturned. However, the Detroit Free Press reported Wednesday that preliminary numbers released by the state indicate there have been at least 1,216 coronavirus-related deaths and 4,920 cases of infection associated with Michigan nursing homes. The paper says Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services Director Robert Gordon presented those numbers during a state Senate oversight committee hearing Wednesday afternoon.
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Construction Starting Soon On Roundabout At Pontiac Trail & 7 MileConstruction Starting Soon On Roundabout At Pontiac Trail & 7 Mile
By Jessica mathews / news@whmi.com
A roundabout project is getting underway soon in the South Lyon and Salem Township area.
The Washtenaw County Road Commission held a virtual construction meeting about the Pontiac Trail and 7 Mile Road Roundabout. Project Manager Mark McCulloch told attendees theyâll be proceeding with the $880,000 project, which has been downgraded from original plans. There will be traffic impacts during construction. The intersection is expected to be closed to all traffic for approximately eight weeks, although access to the general store and residences on the northeast corner will be permitted from the east.
It was noted that a larger roundabout was originally proposed in 2013 but due to right-of-way and land acquisition efforts and other issues, McCulloch said the project had to be shelved and grant money returned. McCulloch said status quo is not desirable because South Lyon to Ann Arbor is a commuter route â creating significant back-ups in the morning heading southbound and then northbound in the evening. He said other options were explored such as a traffic signal but deemed not feasible due to capacity needs, adding it would have created big constraints on the country general store on the northeast corner of the intersection so they went toward the roundabout. Whatâs proposed is now a smaller, one lane roundabout with curb and gutter around the circumference of the roundabout, the splitter and center islands, and the intersection itself. A crosswalk will also be built on the east leg as requested by property owners and street lighting will be installed.
McCulloch said the footprint is not as large as traditional roundabout but it still offers safety and capacity, moves traffic efficiently and reduces congestion - adding it also reduces impacts on neighboring parcels and puts down new pavement. McCulloch added that roundabouts help to slow traffic - unlike traffic signals when people run red lights at high speeds to create T-bone crash situations. When collisions happen in roundabouts, he says they tend to be more property damage verses hospitalizations.
Utility work has already been taking place but McCulloch said the contractor, Cadillac Asphalt, requested an earlier start date than proposed in the contract of June 15th. If the schedule gets finalized, work could start as early as June 1st. McCulloch said plans were to have the project completed by mid-August but if they start earlier, then it could be done by early August. Crews are expected to be out working from 7am to 7pm Monday through Saturday and following COVID-19 safety precautions.
More information about the project and a recording of the virtual meeting can be found through the provided link.
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Genoa Township Standoff Ends PeacefullyGenoa Township Standoff Ends Peacefully
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Multiple police and fire agencies responded to a situation in the Sylvan Glen Estates manufactured home community in Genoa Township Wednesday.
The Livingston County Sheriffâs Office responded to the Sylvan Glen Estates mobile home community in the area of Grand River and Hubert for a welfare check around 4pm. The entrance was blocked off to traffic. Information was received that a 56-year-old woman claimed to have a firearm and was threatening harm to herself, and anyone else who approached her home. The Sheriffâs Office says the crisis resolution team was activated and through the use of a negotiator, the woman voluntarily came out of her home and was taken in to protective custody. The situation was de-escalated by 6:30pm and the woman was referred for a psych evaluation and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The Sheriffâs Office says no charges are being requested at this time. Assisting on scene were Michigan State Police, Brighton City Police, Green Oak Township Police, Hamburg Township Police, the Brighton Area Fire Department and Livingston County EMS.
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New Process Approved For Expanded Outdoor Seating In City Of FentonNew Process Approved For Expanded Outdoor Seating In City Of Fenton
By Jessica Mathews/News@whmi.com
An emergency resolution has been approved by the Fenton City Council to help streamline the application process for the city to review and approve new outdoor seating bars and restaurants in the downtown area when theyâre able to re-open.
Fenton Mayor Sue Osborn executed Emergency Resolution 2020-02 to facilitate the process for expanded outdoor seating when bars and restaurants are permitted to re-open under Governor Gretchen Whitmerâs executive orders. Council met virtually Tuesday night to approve a resolution affirming that declaration and the need to take active steps to mitigate the effects of COVID-19. The resolution states that bars and restaurants play a vital role in Fentonâs vibrant community and have been economically challenged due to the suspension of dine-in service to prevent the spread of the virus.
City Manager Lynn Markland told Council when restaurants are allowed to re-open, social distancing will be required so seating will be significantly reduced and those businesses will need to look toward outdoor seating to pick up more capacity. He said administration requested the emergency resolution, which allows for an administrative review process for that expanded outdoor seating. Markland told Council that he, Assistant City Manager Mike Hart and Joe Wright, who designed the Downtown Streetscape, walked throughout the downtown area on Tuesday. He said they were looking at looking at opportunities for more outdoor seating, as well as areas to make sure pedestrians are still safe as they walk through the downtown area with that additional seating. Markland said conversations were had with local businesses and all expressed they are planning on doing outdoor seating. He stated that more information would be forthcoming to Council.
Markland clarified that the resolution does not allow restaurants and bars to expand their sale of beverages containing alcohol because that authority still rests with the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. He said there has been some conversation and a bill has been introduced that would allow local units of governments to grant those requests on a temporary basis but it is still under consideration and may or may not become law.
The resolution was approved unanimously and takes immediate effect. A copy can be viewed in the attached meeting packet.
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Veterinarian Addresses Concerns About Pets & COVID-19Veterinarian Addresses Concerns About Pets & COVID-19
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
A local veterinarian is addressing concerns about the coronavirus and pets.
Dr. Kristine Gerster is a veterinarian for Towne & Country Animal Hospital, which has locations in Hartland and Brighton. In an early executive order, it was outlined that anything that needs to be done to prevent pain and discomfort in pets can be seen as essential work, allowing the hospital to continue caring for animals in- need. This includes vaccinations and getting animals on flea and heartworm-prevention.
Gerster pointed out that dogs and cats experience stress like humans. With more pet-owners home during the outbreak, she said they can feel the situation is different and that may cause an animal some unrest. Gerster said stress comes to the forefront in dogs by way of gastro-intestinal issues, vomiting, and diarrhea; and in cats by way of urinary problems. She said there has also been some concern from pet owners on whether cornonavirus can be transmitted from the pet. Gerster said they seen coronavirus in dogs, cats, and ferrets. But while the coronavirus originated in the animal world, she said there is no information to prove that pets can retransmit it to humans. Gerster said they arenât testing animals, but will continue to follow the recommendations of the health department.
Both Towne & Country locations are currently open for curbside assistance for pets. A technician can come to your car, get the needed information, and take the pet in to see the vet. The vet will then call the owner from there and facilitate what needs to be done. Gerster said they hope to re-open once the stay-at-home order is lifted, and when they do, will be doing things a little differently. Plexiglas has been installed at reception, and they will limit the number people allowed in, and require the use of masks. Gerster said hopefully they can lighten it up as time goes on, but for the time being, everything is going as well as can be expected.
(photo - Anna Langova)
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BHS Plans "Senior Drive-By" Graduation Ceremony FridayBHS Plans "Senior Drive-By" Graduation Ceremony Friday
By Tom Tolen / news@whmi.com
The nearly 500-strong Brighton High School senior class will have a graduation ceremony of sorts Friday with a âSenior Drive-Byâ to be held from 5-6 p.m. outside the high school complex.
Their parents will be the drivers, with the graduating seniors as front seat passengers, in a slow-moving procession from the main street onto the high school campus. The seniors, wearing their caps and gowns, will have the opportunity to wave to their teachers, administrators, counselors and other staff members, as well as to family members. Brighton City Police will direct traffic, and the Brighton Area Fire Dept. will also be present to display a large American flag. Family members will be able to park their cars and watch the proceedings, or may get out of their vehicles to stand and cheer the students as the cars go by.
High School Principal Gavin Johnson says he is still hoping to have a full-fledged graduation ceremony for the seniors at the BHS football field sometime this summer, saying it all depends on whether the state will allow such gatherings, even while observing social distancing. Johnson says his preference would be to hold a conventional commencement ceremony, with the graduating seniors seated in folding chairs on the football field and parents in the stands. If that is precluded by restrictions imposed by COVID-19 rules, then he says plan âBâ will be to have smaller groups of from 10 to 20 students at a time receiving their diplomas, as Johnson puts it, âto make it special for these kids who have lost so much.â
Students will be picking up their caps and gowns, and the school Yearbook, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Friday at the high school.
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Slotkin To Host Virtual D.C. Field Trip For Michigan StudentsSlotkin To Host Virtual D.C. Field Trip For Michigan Students
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
Local 8th graders will get a chance to still take a tour of Washington D.C. despite the annual field trip being canceled this year due to COVID-19.
On Friday morning at 10:30, 8th District Democrat Elissa Slotkin will hold a virtual Washington, D.C. field trip for Michigan students. Slotkin said that normally at this time of year, they would be welcoming 8th graders from across the district to their office in Washington, DC, and giving them a tour of the Capitol. âWe wanted to make sure they could still have that experience this year, even if at a distance, which is why Iâm really excited to welcome students to this virtual âD.C. field trip.'"
The event will feature a âCapitol tourâ and live Q&A with Slotkin, as well as testimony from officials serving in a variety of government agencies. They include Julia Nesheiwat, Deputy Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Resilience; Jason Levine, Associate Research Physician, National Institutes of Health; Ana Escrogima, Foreign Service Officer, United States Department of State; Jake Tapper, Anchor, CNN and Lieutenant Commander Kurt Albaugh, U.S. Navy. "I am passionate about making sure young Michiganders know how their federal government works, why civic engagement matters, and that they can hear from some of the dedicated public servants across government working every day to research cures, protect our country, and inform the policy that shapes our lives,â Slotkin added.
WHAT: Virtual D.C. 8th Grade Field Trip
WHO: U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin;
WHEN: Friday, May 30 10:30AM
HOW: For details, email; Mona.Shand@mail.house.gov
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Decision Again Delayed For Pair Charged With Livingston DeathsDecision Again Delayed For Pair Charged With Livingston Deaths
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
Final arguments have again been rescheduled in the pre-trial hearing for two men charged with the deaths of 11 Livingston County residents.
Barry Cadden and Glenn Chin were charged with second degree murder last year by the Michigan Attorney Generalâs Office for their roles in running the New England Compounding Center. Cadden was a part-owner and Chin was a supervising pharmacist at the facility in which authorities say lax conditions were allowed to infect steroids produced there that led to the 2012 outbreak that killed more than 100 people nationwide and sickened nearly a thousand others.
Following multiple days of testimony held over a two month period, final arguments in the case had originally been scheduled for late March, but were re-set for April 8th and then again for May 21st due to the COVID-19 crisis. But according to an order signed by 53rd District Court Judge Shauna Murphy, the final arguments will be held via two-way video with a final decision scheduled to be issued by June 24th whether or not to send the case to trial in circuit court. Previous testimony in the case included former NECC pharmacy technicians who said they observed routine violations in the pharmacyâs clean room, including falsified cleaning logs, insects inside the clean room, rusty equipment and drugs that had not been tested before being shipped out anyway. Cadden and Chin remain in custody at the Livingston County Jail, where they were transferred late last year from federal facilities in Pennsylvania in which they were serving time from a previous conviction in the case.
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Lawmakers Encourage Residents To Share COVID-19 StoriesLawmakers Encourage Residents To Share COVID-19 Stories
By Jessica Mathews & Jon King / news@whmi.com
Local lawmakers have announced a new website that allows people to share their experiences and struggles during the COVID-19 pandemic.
MICovidStory.com is described by Republican legislative leaders as an accessible resource for concerned residents across the state. Michigan has now lost over 5,372 people to COVID-19. Republican State Representative Hank Vaupel of Fowlerville said itâs heartbreaking to hear the challenges families, workers, patients and business owners have had to endure during this difficult time. He said the new resource provides people with an outlet to be heard by the Legislatureâs Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic and he urges everyone with a story to take a few short moments to participate. The website will allow stories to be categorized by subject. People can choose whether their experience applies to essential and non-essential business directives from the governorâs administration, difficulties securing needed unemployment benefits, interactions with state agencies, health care treatment and more.
Republican State Representative Ann Bollin of Brighton Township commented that hearing stories from residents about the way the stateâs response to the pandemic has affected their lives will help them better understand the problems people are facing so they can move forward with solutions. Bollin added that everyone must work together to hold state government to a higher standard, so they can deliver better results.
The site will work in conjunction with the Joint Select Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. A press release notes that the committee is bi-partisan, although all legislative committees have members of both parties and Democratic leaders have been critical of the role the committee will play, airing concerns it is intended only as a platform from Republicans to politically target Democratic Governor Gretchen Whitmer's administration.
Committee leaders say it will provide key legislative oversight by evaluating decision-making and preparedness both within the administration and state departments, while also providing a needed platform for people to share their personal stories.
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Howell Nature Center Rehabilitates, Releases Red-Tailed HawkHowell Nature Center Rehabilitates, Releases Red-Tailed Hawk
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
The Howell Nature Center has successfully rehabilitated and released a red-tailed hawk, giving it a second chance at life.
On January 25th, a motorist pulled over off a busy roadway, spying an injured juvenile red-tailed hawk on the ground. Howell Nature Center Board Member David Williams was on the same stretch of road and soon happened upon the resident and the hawk and lent a hand. The bird was transported to the nature centerâs Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic where an injury to the left shoulder was discovered. Its wing was wrapped to its body to restrict movement, and medication was administered for pain and inflammation. Staff surmised, in a release, that the hawk was likely struck by a car, which is a common occurrence when birds of prey hunt near roadways or stop to eat roadkill.
Once its shoulder healed, the hawk was given access to gradually larger spaces to begin flying again. Daily exercise helped the bird regain the muscle and stamina needed to again capture prey and survive in the wild. Earlier this month, after 3 ½ months of care, Howell Nature Center Staff deemed the hawk ready for a second chance at life in the wild, and released it to the skies.
Laura Butler, Director of Wildlife and Education at the Nature Center, said they are so grateful to their supporters who make stories like this possible, and that their success depends on the them and the compassion of individuals who rescue wildlife in-need. You can see video of the hawk being released into the wild on the Howell Nature Centerâs Facebook page.
(Photos- Howell Nature Center)
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COVID-19 Safety Measures Implemented At Fenton City HallCOVID-19 Safety Measures Implemented At Fenton City Hall
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
The Fenton City Council held a virtual meeting Tuesday night and an update was provided on COVID-19 safety precautions.
City Manager Lynn Markland informed Council that the City recently purchased two electro-static sanitizing machines. Two are backpack style and two are handheld units, which will be used to sanitize buildings and vehicles including police, DPW and fire vehicles. Markland commended Fire Chief Bob Cairnduff for investigating and looking at different options before making the final recommendation. The machines were deemed the best option because they utilize a process that doesnât leave any film coating to clean up after, which makes it faster and cleaner. Markland said the cost of the machines was just under $12,000 but noted that does not include the cost of the product that will be used to do the sanitizing. Mayor Sue Osborn noted during the meeting that the City has received a donation of $5,000 toward the purchase of sanitizing machines.
Meanwhile, Markland reported various other safety measures are being put in place. He said a barrier is being put up in the reception area of City Hall and countertops were installed Tuesday. Markland said that work is going well and there are a few other things to be done to make sure the building is as safe as possible. He said they are also creating a one-way traffic area through City Hall so residents donât cross each other when coming and going â theyâll enter from the south door and then exit through the north door.
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Deaf Woman Safe After South Lyon Apartment FireDeaf Woman Safe After South Lyon Apartment Fire
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
An elderly woman is safe with her family after a fire broke out in her South Lyon apartment.
The South Lyon Fire Department was dispatched at 1:30pm, Thursday, for a reported apartment fire at 434 Washington Street. A release from the fire department reports that firefighters arrived and found smoke coming from the single story apartment. Inside, they found an elderly, deaf female and a small fire in the kitchen.
They believe the fire was caused from cooking, was contained to the kitchen, and quickly extinguished. Firefighters were able to remove the resident from the apartment and she was treated at the scene by Huron Valley Ambulance. Damages are reported to be minor, however the victim will not be able to return to the apartment for a few days. In the meantime she will be staying with family. The fire department reports that while the resident was deaf, she able to use her video phone to call an interpreter who then called 911.
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Oakland County Distributing PPE Kits To Small BusinessesOakland County Distributing PPE Kits To Small Businesses
By Mike Kruzman / news@whmi.com
Oakland County officials are distributing thousands of personal protective equipment kits to businesses in preparation of re-opening. 10,000 COVID-19 safety toolkits which include facemasks, no-touch thermometers, gloves, disinfectant wipes and sanitizer have been assembled for distribution. They also include floor stickers for interior spacing, posters, and ideas for social distancing. Each kit contains more than $400 in supplies.
The kits are designed for small businesses with 50 employees or less that operate in Main Street Oakland County Communities like South Lyon, businesses not in a downtown, and faith-based organizations. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said, in a release, that the self-contained âOakland Togetherâ plastic totes will be taken to 50 locations for distribution by downtown development authorities, city managers, economic development officials and chambers of commerce.
Coulter said the kits serve 2 purposes. They give small businesses essential materials that have been difficult to acquire and are necessary when the âOKâ comes to reopen, and they help give customers confidence that businesses are doing what they can keep everyone safe.
Distribution begins this week and should be completed by early next week. Businesses have been prioritized by sector with restaurants, bars, cafes, and entertainment venues being first on the list to receive kits. Small businesses that would like a kit can request one at https://www.oakgov.com/covid/resources/Pages/default.aspx
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Road Projects To Start In Northfield TownshipRoad Projects To Start In Northfield Township
By Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com
Residents and others traveling throughout Northfield Township are being advised of some upcoming road work.
The start date for a road resurfacing project on Main Street between Six Mile Road and East Shore Drive was delayed due to weather. The revised schedule has the project starting up Monday and lasting through June 12th. Main Street is expected to have intermittent lane closures between 6 Mile Road and East Shore Drive. Officials ask that residents refrain from parking on the side of the road in that area until the job is complete, so as to prevent any unforeseen damage to vehicles. The Northfield Township Community Center, located at 9101 Main Street, will be offering their parking lot for temporary parking during the duration of the project. Those interested are asked to use the grass parking area on the north side of the building as the main parking lot is needed for Meals on Wheels deliveries. The township advises that if needed, public parking is also available at 75 Barker Road.
Meanwhile, other work will also be taking place throughout the township. Starting Monday, Six Mile Road is expected to have intermittent lane closures between Spencer Road and Sutton Road for drainage improvements. That work should be completed by Wednesday June 3rd.
Finally, some preventative maintenance is scheduled on Whitmore Lake Road between Barton Drive and North Territorial Road. That project starts Wednesday, June 3rd. Daytime road closures are expected to allow for the application of chip sealing.
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Local Superintendents Discuss Upcoming School YearLocal Superintendents Discuss Upcoming School Year
By Tom Tolen / news@whmi.com
At a Thursday morning Webinar, superintendents from three area school districts got an opportunity to discuss what steps their districts are considering in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the various executive orders coming from Governor Gretchen Whitmer.
The Webinar was provided and sponsored by the Greater Brighton Area Chamber of Commerce. The Webinarâs maximum participation allowable was 110, and Chamber President and CEO Pam McConeghy said that they could have easily had 150 online participants. The guest superintendents included Greg Gray of the Brighton Area Schools, Rick Todd of the Pinckney Community Schools and Tom DeKeyser of the Whitmore Lake School District. One of the questions was what are the projections for the amount of the cut in state per-pupil funding to local districts. Supt. Gray replied that the figure most prominently mentioned is $650 per student, which, for Brighton, would mean a loss of $5.4 million in revenue. Such a drop in state aid would have the potential of reducing Brightonâs fund balance to $2.6 million in just one year, without budget cuts. In Pinckney, which is a deficit district, the loss in revenue would have an even greater impact. Minus any budget cuts by that districtâs board of education, Pinckney would have a negative fund balance of $2,297,000 after the state per-pupil aid cuts. Whitmore Lakeâs DeKeyser, commenting that the state aid cut could be $1,600 over the next two years, said, âIf you cut that amount, youâre going to decimate school districts all over the state.â
The superintendents also discussed the possible scenarios that might accompany the reopening of in-building classes for the fall term, and the effect that COVID-19 and social distancing might have. Todd said that classrooms with 30-35 students simply are not designed for a minimum of six feet of space between students. To a question from a parent of whether the students will have to wear masks, the superintendents replied that it will be whatever the local health depts. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says the protocol should be. The superintendents also responded to a question about the impact of long-term isolation on studentsâ mental health. They said the social and emotional aspects of the stay-at-home directive, how to deal with it, and the switch from classroom to online learning, are discussed by administrators and staff on a daily basis.
McConeghy said afterward that the Webinar was successful, remarking that the superintendents âcovered a lot in that hour.â McConeghy said the reason the chamber put on the Webinar is because âItâs been extremely difficult for the families. (The school districts) are trying everything they can do to make it a successful school year; theyâre trying all the options.â She said the superintendents Webinar was one of a regular series of Webinars the chamber has been presenting as a service to area residents and businesses.
The May 28th Webinar can be viewed on by https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW9t7WRbgfg
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Report Confirms Former EMS Director Fraudulently Obtained CertificationReport Confirms Former EMS Director Fraudulently Obtained Certification
By Jon King / jking@whmi.com
An internal investigation found evidence that the former head of Livingston County EMS did improperly obtain a certification through falsified records, but resulted in no further disciplinary action.
Longtime EMS Director Jeff Boyd was placed on unpaid leave October 17th, 2019 by county officials while they conducted an investigation and record review of the departmentâs education function. At issue was an investigation by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services of Joseph Hahn, who had been the departmentâs Education Supervisor. He was fired in October by the county after it was determined he had offered advanced EMT certification for employees who had not actually attended the course. Boyd was suspended after Hahn said the former director had received certification for an Advanced Cardiac Life Support course that he had not attended.
That was confirmed by a 67-page forensic audit commissioned by Livingston County and obtained by WHMI from the MDHHS through a Freedom of Information Act request. The report, which was dated March 20, 2020, determined that âa vast majorityâ of the documents they reviewed âwere deficient with respect to completionâ and that âMuch of the missing information could result in Livingston County being held liable if certification and/or training is questioned.â It also said that concerns were raised âwith respect to instructors becoming certified upon attending the Intermediate Trauma Life Support (ITLS) courseâ and that auditors âdetermined that no less than 26 instructors were found to be connected to the deficient findings.â In fact, four instructors were identified as having received Certificates of Participation in an ITLS Instructor course on August 29, 2019 although no such course could be identified as having taken place that day.
The report specifically determined that Boyd had fraudulently received an ACLS card for a class dated March 27, 2019. A review by state officials concluded that Boydâs name appeared on the class roster, but that records indicated Hahn was on vacation that day. Despite that, state officials recommended no further action against Boyd, who was allowed to retire at the end of 2019 after more than 30 years of employment with the county. Meanwhile, a state investigation of Hahn resulted in a February 27th consent order in which he admitted to placing âan individual in an EMS-AEMT class which they never attended by placing their name on the rosterâ¦â in exchange for voluntarily surrendering his Instructor Coordinator license and its permanent revocation. Hahn also agreed never to teach or be a subject matter expert for any Michigan-approved initial or continuing education EMS course. However, the agreement allowed him to retain his paramedic license.
The audit report did make 18 recommendations to assist the county in addressing the âdeficienciesâ in its program. They included a series of safeguards to verify attendance and graded coursework by both instructors and participants. It also recommended monitoring EMS Training âfor a period of time to ensure that all forms are completed and all requirements for the completion of the classes, including taking and passing required training and testes, are met.â It was also determined that âinstructors need to have the requisite matter expertise for the classes they are teaching as a given. They are lacking in training in how to teach the subject matter, even if they are an expert. Training should be provided to the instructors in basic teaching methods and procedures to ensure they are able to properly implement the training they are providing.â
The current head of Livingston County EMS, David Feldpausch, provided a summary of the audit to the countyâs General Government / Health & Human Services Committee on May 4th. He said that of the 18 recommendations in the audit, 15 had already been implemented. He also said that of those 18, eleven concerned proper completion of paperwork. Feldpausch said that while that is most definitely important, it is not a problem unique to Livingston County. He also said that anyone whose certification could not be verified was required to retake and complete the appropriate course. He noted that all of that took place prior to his start on January 6th and credited the county with investigating the issues involved, identifying the deficiencies and making the necessary corrections.
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